My Process & Studio

Due to my background as a specialist art teacher, I have a love for all types of art making, such as printing, clay work, collage, drawing and sculpture, but painting and mixed media are where I find the most freedom to express myself. Having worked with children, I have admired their spontaneity, inquisitiveness and joy when creating art. This inspires me to emulate them when I create: I love exploring and experimenting with different media, natural resources, repurposed materials and embracing the accidental surprises. 

My studio can seem a messy place, especially when I am working with mixed media or creating relief works with recycled/repurposed materials, but to me it is pretty organised as I know where everything is. This is my happy place, where I feel free and inspired to create. I work on a few pieces at a time, as it allows me to create consistent art and look at works with fresh eyes in various stages of development. It keeps me enthusiastic, and I can instantly see where I need to work.

I predominantly use acrylic paint and oils, but I also explore mixed media. Finding solutions to problems and looking for new options to express myself draws on my creativity, and I find this stimulating. I also enjoy using repurposed/recycled materials to create works that reflect being responsible and which promote sustainability. As a result, my studio is full of recycled cardboard, egg boxes, plastic tubs, old fabric, magazines and miscellaneous printing items that I use regularly and could not do without. Yes, I am a hoarder!

When I work, I am completely engrossed in the process, and time is non-existent. Music is always playing (classical and contemporary) and lifts my spirits. I work intuitively, enjoying the medium and my thoughts, often trying colours on newspaper rather than in the mixing palette! I work in layers in my paintings, creating thinner layers first to get the composition right before developing them further with thicker layers. This process works well for me as I can control the movement of the eye to areas of interest and play with lighting and mood. I enjoy creating patterns and textures, especially experimenting with a variety of ways to create them. Using tools such as sponges and ‘found’ objects to create texture is very satisfying, as I enjoy the sensory awareness they evoke. 

I like including quiet spaces in my work for composition, contrast and a space to reflect. However, there are times when I express joy and abundance, which result in busy works that are filled with textures, shapes and colour. I enjoy being expressive in my paintings too, usually illustrating the emotions I feel for the subject/topic. When I wish to convey a feeling or an idea, making art that is more abstract and open-ended is increasingly satisfying and rewarding.

Art making is a journey, and it involves growth and learning. It will have twists and turns and will build upon itself, meaning my art process will reflect my development as an artist and not stay static. It will be influenced not only by the knowledge, experiences and insights I gain in my ever-changing environment, but also by the emotions I am feeling at the time. 

I am so excited to finally devote all my time to being creative, to show my artistic self, and to be able to share it with you. I am so happy to have you with me on this exciting journey!